ALKEJ0CELYN 
Her  Letters 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


1 

bL 


MISTRESS 
ALICE  JOC- 
ELYNos>Her 

Letters 


IN  the  Which  be  set  Forth  an 
English  MAYDE'S  Voyage  to 
the  PROVINCE  of  Maine  and 
what  did  Befall  her  There- 
after 

Endeavoured  by 
C.  EMMA  CHENET 


THE  BLUE  SKY  PRESS 
.CHICAGO 


Copyright,  1903  by 
Langwortby  &f  Swift 


To  ALL  THE  DWELLERS  AT  BLACK 
POINT,  AND  IN  PECULIAR,  MY  HUS- 
BAND. 

PS 


553475 

LIBRARf 


Better 


BLACK  POINT, 

In  the  Province  of  Maine, 
'The  Twentieth  day  of  August, 
Anno  Domini,  1642. 


[ALICE  JOCEI: 
HER  LETTERS 
PHILIPPA 


NOURED   SIS- 
TER PHILIPPA  :  — 

After  my  duty 
and  my  Uncle's 
presented  to  your- 
self these  will  in- 
form you  of  our 
present  health. 

Hither  came  I  this  day  se'nnight, 
devoid  of  mishap.  When  we  did  twyne 
down  the  Massachusetts  Bay  and  cast- 
ing anchor  lay  before  Boston  Town, 
the  dear  felicity  of  sighting  land  did  set 
open  the  very  flood-gates  of  mine  eyes. 


l8  Mistress  Alice  Jocefyn 

sold  nor  traded  for,  never.  On  a  hill- 
top moreover,  there 's  set  up  a  tall  gal- 
lows whereon  a  beacon 's  lit  for  to  warn 
the  town  of  danger.  The  people, 
they  're  a  likely  sort,  pretty  steady  and 
satisfied  with  themselves,  and  mighty 
proud  of  their  village  also. 

For  the  space  of  four  and  twenty 
hours,  I  tarried  under  Mr.  Edward 
Tyng,  his  roof,  being  full  hospitably 
entreated  the  while.  This  is  an  ami- 
able gentleman  of  substance  which 
hath  influence  in  them  parts.  His 
dwelling 's  wondrous  stout,  as  forsooth 
need  is,  for  it  sits  on  the  shore  hurtled 
by  storms.  Here  moreover,  do  stand 
his  brew  and  warehouses.  There's  a 
fine  sun-dial  in  his  garden.  His  pretty 
wife,  she's  a  buxom  lady  and  a  mer- 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


ry.     Mistress  Tyng  hath  a  spinet. 

'Twas  the  tenth  day  of  August  when 
I  took  ship  for  Black  Point.  We  fell 
down  to  Noddle's  Island,  proceeding 
thence  straightway.  "Now,"  thinks 
I,  "shall  I  behold  a  fair  countryside," 
(for  we  was  to  sail  coastwise)  but  no- 
thing saw  I,  save  rock  and  dingle,  with 
some  few  scattering  huts.  'Tis  no 
mean  voyage  neither,  —  scarce  less  than 
one  hundred  and  fifty  mile.  The  wind 
being  for  the  most  part  fair,  we  was 
fetched  with  speed  and  safeness,  short 
of  three  days.  Uncle  Henry  Jocelyn, 
he  descried  our  sail,  and  coming  to  the 
water's  edge  to  receive  us,  had  me 
forthwith  to  his  own  abode,  namely, 
the  house  of  Captain  Thomas  Cam- 
mock.  Mistress  Margaret,  his  lady,  did 


2O  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

give  me  welcome,  kissing  my  cheek 
lustily  withal. 

This  "Point"  is  a  brave  place  and  a 
sightly,  but  wherefore  they  call  it 
"Black,"  know  I  not,  save  perchance 
for  the  forest  so  thick  and  darkling. 
Touching  this  residence  itself,  I've 
seen  a  grander  often,  and  a  comforta- 
bler.  "Tis  situate  on  a  jutting  promon- 
tory commonly  named  the  "Ferry 
Rocks."  At  its  foot  the  ocean  beats 
constant.  Thickets  of  wild  shrub  and 
vine  do  abound  creeping  to  the  very 
doorstone,  and  mighty  pretty  to  behold. 
Moreover  here  do  thrive  divers  savoury 
fruits  and  rare  posies,  without  so  much 
as  the  pruning.  On  the  heels  of  my 
arrivage,  fell  a  smart  storm  of  rain  with 
wind  and  surpassing  loud  thunder 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  21 

dreadful  to  hear. 

Uncle  Henry  he  dwells  under  this 
roof  alway,  and  whiles  he  did  tarry  in 
America,  Uncle  John  Jocelyn  like- 
wise; and  now,  sooth  to  say,  here  be  I, 
also.  Verily  this  is  a  hospitable  coun- 
try! 

The  name  of  this  Province  afore- 
time was  "New  Somersetshire,"  but 
since  two  year  back  it  hath  been  christ- 
ened "Maine,"  some  says  in  honour  of 
Queen  Maria  Henrietta,  her  French 
province  called  "La  Meyne."  The 
first  General  Court  of  the  Province,  it 
was  holden  in  June  two  year  agone, 
Uncle  Henry  being  one  of  the  Coun- 
sellors. 'Twas  then  came  the  new 
Governor,  Mr.  Thomas  Gorges,  Esq., 
nephew  to  Sir  Ferdinando,  the  first  to 


22  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

rule  over  the  Province.  He  is  a  strip- 
ling but  full  comely.  'Tis  hoped  that 
he  may  make  up  in  wisdom  what  he 
lacks  in  years. 

On  my  coming  hither  Captain 
Cammock,  he  was  off  to  Richman's 
Island  but  hath  now  returned.  That 
noble  blood  flows  in  his  veins,  'tis  easy 
believed.  There 's  a  pretty  tale  abroad 
that  his  mother,  the  daughter  of  the 
Earl  of  Warwick,  on  opposition  to  the 
marriage,  she  did  run  away  with  Sir 
Thomas  Cammock,  the  father  of  Cap- 
tain Cammock.  Being  pursued  they 
came  to  a  river  where  'twas  thought 
the  lady's  courage  would  fail,  but  she 
nothing  daunted,  cries,  "Nay,  I  will 
live  and  die  with  my  true-love!"  and 
over  rode  they,  a-dreading  naught  and 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  23 

did  swim  safe  to  the  further  bank. 

Captain  Cammock  he's  a  man  of 
two  natures,  'tis  manifest.  With  his 
fellows  he's  masterful,  a-lording  it  over 
them.  His  tenants  serves  him  with 
willing  minds.  Not  a  man  nor  a  may de 
but  would  die  for  him,  yet  he  winks  not 
at  slackness,  nor  won't  be  cheated.  He 
stands  high  in  the  Province,  and  could 
be  chief est  amongst  them  had hebut  the 
will,  which  he  wants.  All  in  all,  gent- 
ler household  saw  I  never.  With  his 
lady  Captain  Cammock  is  exemplary 
kind  and  too  indulgent,  some  says.  He 
lacks  good  looks. 

My  willing  heart  would  fain  gossip 
further,  but  my  quill  quacketh  in  pro- 
test and  my  unpra&iced  hand  do  refuse 
further  duty.  These  be  writ  with 


24-  Mistress  Alice  "Jocelyn 

mighty  patience  and  will  be  conveyed 
to  you  by  a  trusty  messenger.  They 
leave  me  not  in  heavy  ness,  albeit  I  'd 
freely  follow  whither  they  do  go. 

Commend  my  deference  to  my  hon- 
oured aunt   Elizabeth,  and  on   thine 
own  head,  a  benediction !     Adieu. 
Your  dutyful  Sister, 

ALICE  JOCELYN. 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa  2$ 

Setter 


BLACK  POINT, 

In  the  Province  of  Maine, 
The  Thirtieth  day  of  December, 
Anno  Domini,  1643. 


26  Mistress  Alice  Jocefyn 


D 


EAR  HEART:— 


My  relu&ant  pen  must  indite  of 
a  sad  matter.  Pray  Sister,  shed  a  pity- 
ing tear  for  them  that  mourn  ! 

Near  the  ending  of  the  year  last 
past,  'twas  clear  that  Captain  Cam- 
mock,  he  was  a  prey  to  the  wasting 
sickness.  True,  he  wasn't  bed-rid  nor 
wouldn't  own  to  pain,  but  his  ailing 
was  pathetical  to  behold,  spite  of  his 
brave  demeanor.  Mistress  Margaret, 
she  used  her  endeavour  for  to  heal  him, 
but  the  physic  wrought  not  kindly  and 
he  would  none  of  it,  albeit  'twas  but  a 
simple  Essence  uncompounded.  See- 
ing that  he  in  no  wise  recovered  but 
contrary  grew  the  worse,  come  the 
Fall  of  the  year,  he  set  out  for  the  West 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  2J 

Indies  for  the  betterment  of  his  condi- 
tion. I  mind  me  well  the  white  and 
tearful  face  of  his  lady  at  the  parting. 
Spirited  enough  I  '11  warrant  you  in  or- 
dinary, now  she  was  all  humbleness, 
nor  recked  she  that  the  maids  took 
note  of  her  grieving.  The  Captain, 
he  didn't  relish  the  lone  voyage  to  for- 
eign parts  neither,  yet  he  sailed  away 
to  the  Barbadoes  on  the  five  and  twen- 
tieth day  of  September  last  past,  and  as 
Heaven  willed,  he  did  die  pretty  soon 
after  his  arrivage. 

When  the  news  did  come,  all  was 
sorrow  where  late  was  joyousness.  It 
doth  comfort  Mistress  Margaret  not  a 
whit,  nor  yet  Uncle  Henry,  that  Cap- 
tain Cammock,  his  last  will  and  testa- 
ment doth  devise  all  his  lands  and  chat- 


28  Mistress  Alice  "Jocelyn 

tels  to  them  twain.  Mistress  Margaret, 
she  would  liefer  have  her  dear  lord 
alive  than  her  dower  or  yet  his  whole 
estate  in  fee,  and  Uncle  Henry  has  a 
plenty  at  this  present.  After  the  de- 
mise of  the  lady  herself,  "the  well-be- 
loved friend,"  (so  Captain  Cammock 
styles  Uncle  Henry)  he  shall  be  inher- 
itor sole. 

Divers  gentlemen  do  repair  hither 
to  give  condolence  to  Mistress  Mar- 
garet who  goes  a-sorrowing  the  live- 
long day.  Me,  she  craves  by  her  side 
constant,  so  close  indeed,  that  some 
protest  envy  of  her  privilege.  Yester- 
even,  Mr.  Nicholas  Shapleigh,  he  of 
Pemaquid,  did  ask  if  I  wasn't  never- 
more to  enjoy  a  solitary  hour,  profess- 
ing to  miss  my  company.  But  cries  I, 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  29 

"O,  for  shame,  Sir !  to  desire  such  ill 
treatment  of  the  widow  in  her  desolate 
situation  !"  I  bade  him  enliven  Uncle 
Henry  with  a  game  of  draughts,  in- 
stead, sith  he  is  scarce  less  gloomy  than 
the  lady,  herself. 

Christmas  in  this  young  world,  was 
like  to  break  my  heart.  Of  dutyful 
honour  to  the  late  Master  of  the  house, 
I  thought  not  of  decking  with  greens, 
but  Mistress  Margaret,  (extreme  ten- 
der to  ward  my  lonesomeness,)  she  did 
propose  it  full  willingly.  'Twas  indeed 
a  homesick  time  with  me  at  best,  so  Mr. 
Shapleigh,  fell  to  inspiriting  me  as  we 
twyned  the  wreaths  together.  Mr. 
Nicholas  Edgecombe  and  Roger  Deer- 
ing,  they  came  also. 

Friends,  have  I  few,  but  them  be 


Mistress  Alice  Jocefyn 


choice.  I  would  that  Mistress  Edward 
Tyng  did  dwell  near  by  or  that  Mis- 
tress Deering  would  suffer  Eliza- 
beth to  tarry  here  a  little  space.  One 
there  is,  Christopher  Page  by  name, 
which  abides  solitary  on  "Stratton's 
Island"  in  the  offing,  that  is  made  free 
of  this  house.  Mistress  Cammock  doth 
commiserate  him,  sith  'tis  said  com- 
rades none  has  he,  save  dumb  beasts. 
When  I  would  show  him  some  civility 
he  essays  to  treat  me  like  a  child  which 
I  am  not,  by  no  means.  He  is  old  — 
two  score  at  the  very  least,  —  but  he 
needn't  make  free  with  my  name.  And 
he  can't  pacify  my  dignity  with  West 
Indian  sweetmeats,  neither.  Why, 
the  worshipful  young  Governor,  he 
calls  me  "madam,"  returning  my  hum- 


Her  Letters  to  Plnlippa 


ble  curtsy  with  a  gracious  bow. 

But  amongst  them  all  —  gentle  and 
simple,  —  none  is  so  like  to  be  troub- 
lous to  mayde's  peace  of  mind,  as  Mr. 
Nicholas  Shapleigh  aforesaid.  Tall 
and  straight,  of  noble  build,  he  hath 
the  eye  of  an  eagle  and  the  skin  of  a 
pippin.  His  locks  be  long  and  cluster- 
ing, his  beard  the  cut  of  a  cavalier. 
Moreover,  he  's  a  great  body  in  these 
parts,  and  hath  a  hand  in  affairs  of  the 
Province.  If  I  seem  bold-faced  thus 
to  confess  myself,  charge  it  to  the  fact 
that  you  have  the  key  to  my  heart  to 
go  out  and  in  without  let.  But  I  re- 
frain further  lest  you  dub  me  frivolous 
and  silly,  given  to  choose  the  society 
of  the  sterner  sex,  which  on  reflecting 
I  trust  you  will  credit  me  with  not  do- 


32  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

ing. 

'Tis  no  affectation  to  affirm  that  no 
maid  of  quality  doth  dwell  here,  save 
only  me.  You  '11  say  I  shall  be  spoiled 
with  flattery.  Nay,  sister,  Mistress 
Cammock,  she  hath  her  eye  on  me 
constant.  Why,  scarce  a  week  passes 
but  Uncle  Henry  craves  my  company 
to  Saco,  vowing  that  his  pillion  will 
carry  me  that  six  mile  without  a  pound 
of  over-weight.  But  Mistress  Margar- 
et, she  frowns,  bidding  me  sit  at  my 
sampler  or  'broidery  frame,  or  per- 
chance lend  assistance  in  household 
matters.  A  thrifty  housewife  is  Mis- 
tress Cammock  and  mighty  diligent. 
No  deals  be  scoured  so  white  as  hers. 
No  pewter  shines  brighter.  As  for 
the  floors,  you  would  swear  they  was 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  j>j 

fresh  sanded  every  hour  of  the  glass. 
The  serving  men  and  maydes,  they  fear 
even  while  they  do  honour  her. 

Strange  things  there  be  in  this  place. 
A  mile  or  more  to  northward,  so  'tis 
claimed,  a  spring  doth  gush  out  of  the 
earth  fit  for  the  chemist,  his  use,  and 
for  the  healing  of  divers  diseases  with- 
al. It  coats  iron  of  a  silver  colour,  more- 
over. Caves  be  many  where  wild  beasts 
do  lie  in  hiding,  and  in  the  ground  bur- 
rows a  serpent  —  venomous  and  fear- 
some, with  a  rattle-box  on  the  tip  of 
his  tail. 

Goodman  Boaden,  that  keeps  the 
Spurwink  ferry,  he  did  relate  a  pretty 
adventure  of  Uncle  John  Jocelyn  play- 
ing woodsman.  Upon  a  tree,  as  he  was 
a-walking  in  the  forest  once  upon  a 


Mistress  Alice  "Jocelyn 


time,  did  he  espy  a  rare  big  fruit,  the 
like  whereof  he  knew  not.  "Of  the 
size  of  a  woman's  bonnet,"  (thus  Uncle 
John)  and  of  a  fair  wood  hue,  scaled 
alloverofthe  similitude  of  a  pine-apple. 
Straightway  sought  he  to  pluck  and 
eat  as  did  our  ancient  fore-mother  of 
like  curiosity.  Nor  better  fortune  had 
he.  Scarce  did  he  touch  the  monster, 
when  out  from  its  inward  parts  come 
forth  myriads  of  wasps  to  sting  him 
lustily  and  with  diligence.  Poor  Un- 
cle John  !  'Twas  a  big  price  to  pay 
to  philosophy.  Yet  wiser  than  he, 
have  been  caught  a-nodding,  I  suppose. 
The  Salvages  be  curious  creatures. 
The  women  call  they  "Squaws." 
They  're  less  ferocious  than  the  males. 
Skin  copper-colored,  cheek-bones 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


high,  hair  black  and  straight,  teeth 
small  and  white  as  milk  till  the  poor 
creatures  they  be  tooth-shaken  with 
age.  Both  sexes  tricks  out  in  bravery 
and  seems  little  more  than  infants, 
mighty  pleased  with  beads  and  toys. 
I  hear  'tisn't  safe  to  anger  them  or  de- 
ceive, much  less  to  trust  them.  One 
young  Indian  serving-girl  do  abide  in 
this  house. 

Wishing  you  happiness  in  the  com- 
ing new  year,  Philippa,  spite  of  the  dan- 
gers that  do  beset  the  realm,  I  remain 
Your  beholden  sister, 
ALICE  JOCELYN. 


Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 


getter 


BLACK  POINT, 
In  the  Province  of  Maine, 
The  Twentieth  day  of  March, 
Anno  Domini,  1644. 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  37 

T^STEEMED  SISTER:  — 

After  my  salutation,  briefly  thus. 
Here  be  wonderful  news.  I  'm  yet  of 
two  mindes  whether  to  be  sad  or  glad. 
Whiles  Mistress  Cammock,  her  weeds 
was  scarce  out  of  the  crease,  'twas  whis- 
pered that  the  widow  herself  wouldn't 
be  averse  to  alleviating  her  lonelyness 
by  graciously  accepting  Uncle  Henry 
as  successor  to  her  late  lord.  True,  you 
couldn't  fail  to  note  that  Uncle  Henry, 
his  attitude  was  most  pityful  toward  the 
bereaved  consort  of  his  "well-beloved 
friend,"  nor  that  his  ministrations 
went  far  to  consolate  her  sorrow. 
But  that  the  issue  was  so  nigh  to  hand, 
'twas  no  little  surprising.  Truth  to 
tell,  come  Shrove  Tuesday,  in  the  pres- 


38  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

ence  of  the  household  and  some  choice 
guests,  the  twain  was  made  one,  the 
Rev.  Robert  Jordan,  from  Spurwink, 
making  the  journey  express  for  to  tie 
the  knot  by  the  Service  Book.  The 
weather  was  bitter  bad,  but  well  was 
the  parson  rewarded  for  his  trouble, 
I  '11  warrant,  since  Uncle  Henry  did 
bestow  a  purse  of  gold  florins  in  his 
hand  speedyly  after  the  bride  was  kiss- 
ed. 

Moreover  the  supper  wasn't  no 
small  matter,  neither,  and  the  like  I 
doubt  had  the  dominie  not  tasted  in 
these  parts.  There  was  stuffed  eels, 
clams,  trouts,  wheaten-loaves,  pota- 
toes (scarce  and  exceeding  dear),  wa- 
ter-fowls, wild-turkeys,  boiled  venison 
and  hog-meat.  For  sweets  —  presarves 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


of  quince  and  damsons,  marmalet  of 
pippins,  figs  and  oranges  (from  the  In- 
dies), walnuts  and  chestnuts  eat  with 
the  Canary  or  mead.  Besides,  pom- 
pion-pies  (a  Puritan  rarity)  and  good 
choculotte.  Aqua  vitae  wasn't  drunk. 
'Twas  a  royal  banquet  and  full  tooth- 
some. The  board-cloth  was  of  the 
finest  Hollands,  the  napery  wrought 
about,  and  some,  laced.  The  silver 
standing  salt-cellar  was  an  heirloom, 
and  a  finer  saw  you  never.  I  sat  above 
it.  The  big  pewter  tankard  set  before 
Uncle  Henry,  that  did  shine  marvel- 
lous bright.  Several  bone  and  some 
silver  spoons  there  be,  likewise.  Mr. 
John  Winter  of  Richman's  Island,  he 
did  brag  aside,  to  me,  that  he  hath  sun- 
dry vessels  of  tin,  such  as  we  wot  not 


40  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

of.   I  marvelled. 

Of  guests  came  many.  Mr.  Alexan- 
der Shapleigh  and  his  son  Mr.  Nichol- 
as, and  Mr.  Nicholas  Edgecombe,  and 
of  the  neighbour  folk,  a  goodly  com- 
pany. The  salutations  concluded,  Un- 
cle Henry,  he  conduces  his  lady  to  the 
head  of  the  board,  full  gallantly,  and  a 
noble  pair  they  was.  Mistress  Mar- 
garet, she  wore  a  sad-coloured  brocade 
gown,  her  pointed  stomacher  'broider- 
ed  with  pearls,  great  sleeves  slashed 
with  white,  petticoat  of  white  satin  and 
wondrous  glistering.  Her  coif  most 
handsome.  The  lace  in  ruff  and 
sleeves,  the  rarest.  It  pitied  me  to  see 
the  string  of  pearls  at  her  white  throat. 
Methought  'twould  stifle  her,  for  'twas 
the  gift  of  her  first  spouse,  and  wore  at 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  41 

his  wedding. 

As  to  the  bridegroom,  none  couldn't 
be  genteeler.  What  with  coat  of  fine 
red  cloth,  velvet  breeches  of  puce-col- 
our, broidered  waistcoat  bound  with 
green,  silken  hose  and  pointed  slip- 
pers, nothing  was  left  for  to  desire. 
His  flowing  locks  dressed  with  pom- 
ade, was  flecked  with  grey.  Mr.  Shap- 
leigh  he  swore  he  hadn't  never  seen  a 
spectacle  so  fair  as  them  twain.  He 
danced  with  me  often,  did  Mr.  Shap- 
leigh.  I  did  wear  my  calimanco  frock 
and  Granny's  golden  beads. 

A  sorry  spectacle  was  poor  Master 
Christopher  Page,  in  the  reel.  Like 
as  not  he  never  essayed  the  figure  be- 
fore nor  perchance  none  other,  such  a 
bashful  mien  wore  he.  I  smiled  so 


j.2  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

agreeable  that  I  paid  the  penalty  of 
giving  him  my  hand  in  a  dance.  But 
'twas  when  that  Antient  Islander  did 
sing  full  lustily:  "O,  What  a  plague  is 
Love,  I  cannot  bear  it"  that  we  did 
make  merry.  The  voice  of  a  clarion 
has  he,  the  which  he  wants  not  the 
skill  to  magnify. 

A  cheerful  air  hath  this  house  since 
the  wedding.  "Tis  here,  come  night, 
that  the  gentlemen  do  assemble  for  to 
sip  mulled  wine,  spiced  and  tasty,  or  to 
drink  deep  draughts  of  warm  ale,  feast- 
ing on  carroway  comfits,  a-discoursing 
on  the  politics  which  do  afflicl:  this 
Province.  The  young  folk  —  such  as 
me,  —  vastly  prefer  we  nuts  and  cider 
betwixt  our  games  of  forfeits. 

'Tis  a  big  room,  this  kitchen.     On 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  43 

the  right  hand  is  a  vast  chimney,  on 
the  left,  a  dresser  stored  with  ware  and 
pewter.  In  the  corner,  a  cupboard. 
Other  furnishings  bean  oaken  chest, 
a  settle,  a  scrutoire,  sundry  high-back 
chairs,  and  the  family-board  ever  ready 
and  never  too  strait  for  another  guest. 
Great  logs  do  blaze  in  the  chimney, 
cheerful  to  behold  and  none  too  warm 
for  these  nipping  winter  nights.  Can- 
dles of  bay-wax  there  be,  fragrant  and 
fair.  By  day  the  sun  strives  to  enter 
through  window-panes  of  waxen  pa- 
per. Little  need  have  we  for  arms  or 
bannerets,  for  deer's  antlers  with  Uncle 
Henry's  fowling-piece  and  powder- 
horn  adorns  the  walls.  Strings  of  red 
peppers,  dried  apples,  and  comely  quar- 
ter-moons of  yellow  pompions  do  de- 


44  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

pend  from  the  rafters.  On  the  man- 
tel-piece ever  sits  the  tinder-box  with 
flint  and  steel,  ready  for  instant  use. 

Mistress  Margaret,  my  now  aunt, 
she  doth  salute  you,  and  our  gracious 
Aunt  Elizabeth.  God  give  you  health ! 

Your  obedient  and  loving  servant, 
ALICE  JOCELYN. 

P.  S.  We  're  sore  distrest  by  whis- 
perings of  war  at  home.  Is't  then  a 
thing  to  fear  ?  A.  J. 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


Befter 


BLACK  POINT, 

The  fifteenth  day  of  'September  , 
Anno  Domini,  164.4. 


Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 


T}  ESPECTED  SISTER:  — 

After  my  duty  to  my  honoured 
aunt,  and  faithful  devotion  to  yourself, 
these  will  bear  news  of  our  health. 

Your  late  epistle  hath  brought  anx- 
ious tidings.  Loth  was  I  to  credit  the 
worsting  of  Prince  Rupert  at  Marston 
Moor.  What  will  that  advantage  to 
Parliament?  And  pray  in  Heaven's 
name,  what  of  the  King  ?  Is  it  that 
his  person  be  in  jeopardy  ?  Can  naught 
avail  to  satisfy  the  quarrel  save  blood- 
shed? 

Scarce  durst  I  broach  these  things 
hereabouts.  Uncle  Henry  he  crieth 
"Shame!"  when  one  imputeth  ill  to 
the  King,  and  Mr.  Edgecombe,  he  is 
wroth  at  my  saying  I  would  fain  be  at 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


one  with  them  that  have  the  rule  over 
me.  Mr.  Shapleigh  is  stout  to  main- 
tain a  woman's  right  to  her  own  minde, 
and  Aunt  Margaret  is  of  different  opin- 
ion, albeit  I  wot  she  needeth  no  prop 
whereon  to  rest  her  conclusions.  Veri- 
ly it  do  go  hard  to  keep  the  peace 
'mongst  contrary  minded  folk  ! 

Touching  this  town,  it  groweth 
apace.  Why,  we  could  count  half  a 
score  of  families  within  the  borders  of 
Black  Point,  even  now.  Likewise,  a 
brisk  trade  in  fishes  is  afoot.  The  dry- 
ing stages,  they  be  ever  laden,  and  the 
procedure  itself,  is  well  worth  trouble 
to  witness.  'Tis  ever  the  same  order,  — 
catching,  curing,  drying,  packing, 
shipping.  Indians  and  niggers  do  skill 
in  the  business,  but  both  be  monstrous 


48  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

lazy,  unwatched. 

Somewhile  ago  'twas  agreed  for  to 
remove  from  the  "Ferry  Rocks"  to  a 
more  convenienter  dwelling.  Hither 
came  we,  master  and  mistress,  man  and 
mayde,  as  also  sundry  beasts  and  cattle, 
—  'tis  now  better  than  three  months 
back.  'Tis  nobly  situate,  this  habita- 
tion. Conceive  a  pretty  peninsula  of 
no  great  size,  begirt  by  a  fair  bay  which 
doth  open  its  arms  to  the  sea  only  on 
its  southernmost  quarter.  Across  the 
bay,  among  the  trees,  sits  the  settle- 
ment of  Blue  Point,  and  behind  that, 
the  mountains.  This  residence  itself, 
stable  and  commodious,  doth  overlook 
a  pretty  cove  where  the  water  laps  in 
with  soft  soughing  by  night  and  by  day. 
'Tis  not  nigh  so  bluff  nor  so  boisterous 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa 


as  the  Ferry  Rocks,  but  comfortabler, 
by  odds.  The  ferry  's  a  good  two  mile 
distant.  This  doth  plague  a  young 
gentleman  which  often  makes  the 
journey  for  the  sake  of  my  company. 
Sooth  to  say,  Philippa,  cheat  myself 
if  I  would,  I  dursen't  deny  no  longer 
that  my  silly  heart  beats  faster  at  the 
sound  of  his  name.  Moreover  I'm  per- 
suaded that  I  occupy  no  mean  place  in 
his  affeclions  neither.  Love,  —  the  sly 
fellow  !  —  he  hath  outwitted  a  timor- 
some  mayde,  and  ere  I  was  aware 
had  unlocked  the  portals  of  my  heart 
to  the  besieger.  In  truth,  Philippa, 
Mr.  Nicholas  Shapleigh,  he  's  to  be  my 
husband  soon  or  late.  The  time  's  not 
agreed  on,  we  sharing  the  full  measure 
of  our  content  unabashed  by  prying 


Mistress  Alice  'Jocelyn 


eyes.  Mr.  Shapleigh'll  broach  his  suit 
to  Uncle  Henry  on  occasion,  but  with 
Aunt  Margaret  I  must  make  mine  own 
terms.  'Tis  thought  she  would  alway 
keep  me  single,  so  Mr.  Shapleigh,  he 
fails  of  heart  to  gainsay  her.  (Maybe 
he  wants  the  courage,  too.)  Moreover 
Mr.  Edgecombe  hath  a  snug  place  in 
the  esteem  of  both  my  guardians,  and 
—  don't  charge  me  with  vanity!  — 
'tis  understood  he  would  come  a- 
courting  were  he  but  winked  at.  Faith  ! 
an'  there  wasn't  one  among  'em  all  I'd 
liefer  have  than  him  till  Nicholas 
Shapleigh,  he  and  I  twyned  the  Christ- 
mas greens  together  two  years  agone. 
Since  that  day  the  world  hasn't  held 
but  one  man  for  me.  Don't  breathe 
this  idle  gossip  at  this  present,  to  our 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  51 

honoured  Aunt.  'Tis  full  enough  for 
you  to  deem  me  silly,  mayhap  unseem- 
ly. Wish  me  joy  instead,  of  the  dear 
felicity  which  has  come  to  my  lot. 

Are  you    an-hungered    oftentimes 
even  as  I,  for  sight  of  your  sister  ?  Then 
Philippa,   you'll    compassionate    one 
who  doth  sorely  desire  news  of  thee. 
Your  true  and  happy  friend, 
ALICE  JOCELYN. 


Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 


I0e  ffiff  0 


BLACK  POINT, 

The  New  Tear  Day,  1645. 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


A  MIABLE  SISTER  :  — 

How  indulgent  is  God  to  re- 
gard our  little  lives  with  so  great  pa- 
tience! In  joy  are  we  sufficient  unto 
ourselves,  but  let  sorrow  come  a-nigh 
then  cry  we  to  have  it  remitted  despite 
our  unworthyness.  In  the  opening  of 
the  year  these  reflections  do  overwhelm 
me  remembering  in  my  now  depend- 
ence, the  New  Year  gone  and  how 
little  thought  I  then,  on  my  Heavenly 
Father,  his  goodness.  At  my  last  writ- 
ing I  did  reckon  on  sending  you  merry 
tidings  speedy  ly,  but  now  alas  !  there  '11 
never  be  none  to  tell. 

After  great  searchings  of  heart  and 
divers  obstacles  overcome,  'twas  finally 
agreed  'twixt  Uncle  Henry  and  my 


Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 


Aunt,  to  grant  my  hand  in  marriage 
to  Mr.  Shapleigh,  though  they  twain 
would  fain  marry  me  to  t'other  gentle- 
man, to  wit,  Mr.  Edgecombe.  Him, 
like  I  rarely,  and  do  honour,  albeit  he 
isn't  no  scholar,  nor  can't  write  so 
much  as  "Nicholas  Edgecombe,  Esq." 
—  to  save  his  teeth.  A  man  of  parts  is 
he,  and  of  the  noble  family  of  Mount 
Edgecombe,  and  worthy,  likewise. 
Moreover,  he  did  confess  to  Aunt  Mar- 
garet that  aforetime  he  did  dream  of 
occupying  first  place  in  my  affections, 
but  that  being  a  matter  the  young  lady 
herself  had  control  of,  magnanimous, 
he  forbore  to  press  his  suit.  And,  like 
a  brave  and  honest  gentleman,  he  did 
ride  over  to  salute  us.  Our  marriage 
was  set  for  Christmas  last  past,  and 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa  55 

Aunt  Margaret,  she  would  have  me  to 
Boston  immediate  on  the  betrothal,  to 
purchase  my  gear,  but  as  luck  would 
have  it,  she  was  took  ill,  so  'twas  put 
off. 

Mr.  Shapleigh,  he  did  come  exceed- 
ing often  to  Black  Point,  and  time  was 
running  through  our  glass  full  swift, 
when  Sorrow  brushed  me  with  her 
black  wing,  and  life  was  changed.  It 
chanced  in  this  wise.  One  mellow  aft- 
ernoon in  the  month  of  October,  I  did 
walk  a  piece  with  Nicholas  toward  the 
ferry,  and  returning  lone,  I  strayed 
through  the  sequestered  wood.  Re- 
flective of  happy  things,  I  did  saunter 
but  slowly,  mine  eyes  upon  the  ground, 
when  a  morsel  of  writing-paper,  most 
uncommon  in  that  solitary  spot,  claim- 


56  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

ed  my  attention.  Curious,  I  did  pick  it 
up.  'Twas  assuredly  a  portion  of  a 
love-letter,  torn  off  at  the  edges  and 
devoid  of  signature  save  —  "Tour  own 
faithful — ,"  the  name  missing.  In 
sympathetic  humor,  still  loitering,  I 
read,  "'The  tender  tie  which  binds  us," 
and,  "Wearying  for  sight  of  you"  and 
the  like.  "Was't  not  the  same  story 
ever  ?"  I  asked  myself,  smiling  indulg- 
ent. Of  a  sudden  I  was  overtook  by  a 
sense  of  eavesdropping,  and  didn't  read 
no  more,  but  folding  the  sheet  in  its 
creases,  turned  it  over.  All  my  bodily 
forces  seemed  to  fail  as  I  did  behold  — 
writ  in  a  timid,  unfashioned  hand — the 
superscription :  "Mr.  Nicholas  Shap- 
leigh,  Esq.,  Piscatqua  Plantation,  In  the 
Province  of  Maine"  'Twas  posted  in 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  57 

England.  I  marked  the  colour  of  the 
wax,  and  the  faded  ink.  I  noted  a  stain 
upon  the  sheet. 

Half  spent,  I  sank  down  on  the 
trunk  of  a  fallen  tree,  exceeding  thank- 
ful to  be  alone.  I  won't  deny  that  I  'd 
have  died  to  peruse  that  letter  entire, 
but  that  could  I  not  do,  in  honour. 
"So,"  pondered  I,  "there's  a  'faithful' 
English  mayde  awaiting  her  faithless 
English  lover,  and  I  've  been  her  un- 
doing." Could  Nicholas  Shapleigh  be 
already  married?  Had  I  come  inno- 
cently betwixt  man  and  wife  ?  I  turned 
sick  at  the  thought.  I  did  pity  the  wo- 
man's grief  even  as  'twere  mine  own. 
Long  sat  I  in  that  friendly  shade, 
affrighted  to  face  the  future.  Only 
to  God  Himself  could  I  turn  confi- 


Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 


dent  in  my  distress,  and  that  did  I  with 
comfort,  sure  of  one  unchangeable 
Friend.  When  I  did  find  my  way 
home,  night  was  falling  and  in  the 
dusk  my  comportment  passed  unchal- 
lenged. I  had  resolved  nevermore  to 
behold  Nicholas  Shapleigh,  his  face, 
and  too  truly  did  I  love  him  to  betray 
no  sign  of  my  bereavement.  Neverthe- 
less did  I  light  my  betty-lamp  and  es- 
cape to  mine  own  chamber  pretty  soon 
after  supper. 

You  '11  divine  that  I  slept  not,  but 
lay  till  the  dawn  like  a  green  log,  inan- 
imate and  sodden.  Soon  as  I  could 
frame  excuse,  sought  I  Aunt  Margaret 
where  she  was  a-sorting  of  the  linen, 
and  did  fall  at  her  feet  sobbing  out  my 
distress.  As  I  foreknew,  mighty  wroth 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


was  she,  charging  Mr.  Shapleigh  with 
villainy  and  me  with  wilfulness.  But 
at  the  last  did  she  deign  to  kiss  my 
cheek  in  token  of  reconciliation. 
Thereafter,  Uncle  Henry,  he  did  grant 
me  use  of  his  inkhorn  and  pouncet 
with  a  sheet  bearing  the  Jocelyn  crest. 
So,  sitting  at  his  scrutoire,  with  mine 
own  quill  did  I  indite  an  epistle  en- 
joining Mr.  Shapleigh  not  to  visit  me 
nevermore,  nor  never  to  send  me  a  let- 
ter. Ah  me  !  I  didn't  abase  myself  to 
declare  just  cause,  but  I  did  subjoin  my 
guardian's  express  command  agreeable 
with  mine  own.  I  knew  none  could 
appeal  from  that.  My  Aunt  did  ac- 
quaint Uncle  Henry  with  the  matter 
doubtless,  thus  he  didn't  ask  no  ques- 
tions and  was  uncommon  kind. 


60  Mistress  Alice  Jocefyn 

My  letter  was  conveyed  forthwith 
and  the  messenger  charged  to  deliver 
it  into  Mr.  Shapleigh's  own  hand.  Af- 
ter 'twas  gone  I  felt  like  a  little  star 
wandered  out  of  its  course,  nor  am  I  in 
any  degree  recovered  from  my  lost 
estate. 

Uncle  Henry  had  a  communication 
from  Mr.  Shapleigh,  immediate,  the 
which  (alas !)  he  did  return  unopened, 
and  that  is  all  —  all. 

My  tale  is  done,  Sister.  Little  spirit 
have  I  to  treat  on  matters  trivial.  'Tis 
rumored  that  Mr.  Shapleigh,  he  is  go- 
ing home  to  England  soon,  but  that  is 
nothing  to  me —  nothing,  nothing. 

With  a  heavy  heart,  but  faithful  de- 
votion, Your  sister  and  well-wisher, 
ALICE  JOCELYN. 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  6  1 

Better 


BLACK  POINT, 

Tbe  tenth  day  of  January, 

A.  D.  1649. 


62  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

\  MIABLE  SISTER:  — 

I  'm  a-dreading  lest  after  the 
perusal  of  this  missive  you'll  disown 
me,  root  and  branch.  Overlong  have 
I  waited,  mayhap,  to  disburden  my 
minde,  lest  I  be  chid,  but  so  extreme 
discontent  am  I  to  hide  aught  from 
you,  that  I  'm  now  come  to  the  pinch. 

For  a  pretty  while  I  've  held 
my  peace  concerning  the  gentlemen, 
whiles  in  veritie,  'tis  but  a  small  modi- 
cum of  peace  that  I  've  been  blest 
with.  I  shouldn't  break  silence  now, 
had  not  occasion  arrived  when  I  must 
choose  mine  own  lot.  And  that  do  I, 
with  calmness. 

Sister  Philippa,  I  've  promised  to 
marry  Mr.  Edgecombe,  and  we  sha'n't 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa  6j 

neither  on  us  repent  us  of  our  bargain, 
I  guess.  I  dursen't  assert  that  my  heart 
is  whole  or  that  I  can  give  him  the  af- 
feftion  that  he 's  deserving  of.  When 
I  did  protest  as  much,  he  said  he  had 
divined  the  same  and  would  be  exceed- 
ing obliged  for  the  moiety  I  had  to 
give.  Leastwise  I  shall  endeavour  to 
pay  him  the  duty  that  I  owe.  None 
couldn't  do  more.  Doubtless  we  shall 
grow  exceeding  fond,  in  time.  I  pur- 
pose to  learn  him  writing,  and  that 
speedy.  Why,  he  hath  good  parts  and 
a  sound  judgment,  and  if  but  he  was  a 
scholar,  he  could  be  a  Counsellor  of 
the  Province,  for  'tis  plain  he's  scarce 
a  sound  Royalist.  I  'm  a-knitting  of  a 
curious  purse  of  beads  —  with  a  deal  of 
pains  —  for  to  bestow  on  him.  Uncle 


64  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

and  Aunt  do  profess  pleasure,  at  my 
choice.  But  poor  old  Christopher 
Page,  he  did  but  sigh  at  the  news,  since 
he  will  have  it  that  I  sha'n't  marry 
save  it  be —  my  first  lover. 

Soon  as  'tis  seasonable  warm,  I  pur- 
pose to  take  boat  for  Boston  town,  to 
buy  my  wedding  raiment.  'Twill  be 
of  different  complexion  from  that  I 
once  did  dream  of.  More  homely  stuff, 
less  bravery;  more  homespun,  little 
silk.  'Tis  little  worth. 

My  looking-glass  do  prevaricate 
else  thy  sister  is  scarce  so  comely  at  five 
and  twenty  as  when  a  mayde  of  fifteen 
she  journeyed  hither.  Now  and  again 
a  silver  hair  discovers  itself  in  the 
brown.  Her  cheek  isn't  so  red,  her 
figure  slighter. 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa 


Mr.  Edgecombe,  he  hath  the  rather 
bettered  than  lost  in  good  looks.  Brave 
and  discreet  and  sturdy  is  he.  His  head 
is  clear,  his  heart  sweet.  I  say  this 
many  and  many  a  time,  to  assure  my- 
self. When  all  's  over,  shall  I  rest  con- 
tent doubtless,  regretting  naught. 
Happy  am  I,  sweet  sister.  Believe  it, 
O,  believe  it  !  and  wish  me  joy  ! 

Your  own  little  ALICE. 


66 


Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 


Better  ffe 


BLACK  POINT, 

The  twentieth  day  of  April  y 

A.  D.  1649. 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


B 


ELOVED  SISTER:  — 


Verily  this  day  bringeth  bitter 
news.  Alas!  alas!  the  King!  Alas, 
poor  distraught  England!  Of  a  surety 
are  we  fallen  on  perilous  times.  None 
durst  exult,  save  covertly,  if  he  be  of 
the  Puritan  party ;  and  the  Royalists, 
such  as  we,  be  sore  distrest.  Divers 
persons  do  marvel  that  the  King  did 
suffer  him  to  be  enmeshed  by  the  snares 
of  his  enemies —  himself  so  subtyl. 
"Tis  passing  strange  moreover,  that  in 
all  England  should  be  found  one  to 
mar  the  sacred  head  of  the  Lord's 
Anointed. 

'Tis  said  they  made  a  mock  of  him 
in  his  fallen  estate.  I  pray  'twas  not  so. 
"T&e  martyr  of  the  people 7"  Did  the 


68  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

King  thus  nominate  himself  at  the  last  ? 

"Nay,  the  rather  dub  him  their  mis- 
guided friend,"  quoth  Uncle  Henry. 
The  gentlemen  hereabouts  be  hot 
against  the  Regicides  and  the  Parlia- 
ment. I  would  that  no  evil  come  to 
any,  yet  meseems  that  the  foibles  and 
guile  of  kings  might  well  be  reproved, 
lest  worse  trouble  do  come  upon  us. 
(Heaven  forgive  them  rash  words!) 
Mr.  Edgecombe,  he  says:  "Sith  the 
wicked  deed's  done,  pray  that  the 
King's  accusers  do  quit  themselves  like 
men,  "for,"  quoth  he,  "shrewd  be  the 
temptations  that  come  to  the  lowly 
when  he  is  exalted." 

I  'm  no  prophet,  Philippa,  if  Mr.  Ol- 
iver Cromwell,  Gent.,  shall  not  show 
a  haughty  front  on  occasion,  for  I  do 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  69 

bethink  me  how  'tis  Mistress  Mary 
Cromwell,  her  father,  which  doth 
strive  for  the  chiefest  place  in  the 
realm.  'Twould  be  nought  to  wonder 
at,  even  so.  Why,  whiles  we  twain  — 
the  little  mayde  and  me —  we  was 
playfellows  together  under  her  Grand- 
mother's roof  in  Essex  —  and  she  the 
younger,  too, —  'twas  even  Mistress 
Mary,  her  will  which  did  obtain,  she 
stamping  her  pretty  foot,  most  master- 
ful. "Ah,  'tis  Oliver,  his  own  child!" 
Granny  would  say  approving,  whereas, 
the  little  mayde  herself  was  ever  in  the 
wrong  and  did  merit  a  stringent  whip- 
ping for  her  naughtyness.  Even  so,  she 
was  rarely  pretty  and  most  engaging. 

Some  hold  to  the  opinion  that  Mr. 
Cromwell  doth  espy  the  shadow  of  a 


JO  Mistress  Alice  Jocefyn 

crown  further  on.  Mr.  Edgecombe, 
he  says,  "No,  Mr.  Cromwell  does  de- 
spise a  tyrant,  howbeit  a  crown  would 
not  ill  suit  him." 

Uncle  Henry  trusts  him  for  a  knave, 
the  which  I  secretly  deny,  the  rather 
crediting  Mr.  Cromwell  with  the  fan- 
atical conceit  that  he 's  commissioned 
of  Heaven  to  overthrow  the  ungodly 
and  to  mete  out  justice.  Did  I  speak 
out,  I  should  be  censured  roundly  and 
styled  a  Puritan.  This  house  entertains 
two  mindes  on  the  self  same  things 
oftentimes,  yet  both  be  honest. 

'Tis  known  here  that  Mr.  Ralph 
Jocelyn,  our  kinsman,  doth  hold  a 
chaplain's  commission  in  the  Puritan 
army.  Sundry  others  of  our  name  make 
bold  to  take  up  arms  against  the  King, 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa 


excuse  being  plead  that  no  Jocelyn  ev- 
er turned  his  back  upon  England's  foe. 
Why  then,  prithee,  must  a  Jocelyn 
mayde  serve  but  to  reflect  the  colour  of 
her  kindred?  However,  'tis  mighty 
ticklish  hereabouts,  for  every  fresh  vic- 
tory over  the  Royalists  doth  but  whet 
the  teeth  of  the  Puritan  allies. 

Why,  this  Province  itself  hath  been 
in  a  pretty  turmoil,  these  many  years. 
A  party  did  spring  up  awhile  back, 
under  the  headship  of  one  Alexander 
Rigby  of  Casco,  claiming  jurisdiction 
over  the  heirs  of  Sir  Ferdinando  Gor- 
ges. Uncle  Henry,  he  's  a  staunch  Roy- 
alist, therefore  of  the  resisting  com- 
pany. Serious  trouble  was  a-brewing 
when  Heaven  did  mercifully  ordain 
the  death  of  both  Rigby  and  Gorges. 


J2  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

Then  'twas  hoped  all  would  be  peace- 
able, but  lo  and  behold !  comes  Massa- 
chusetts, greedy  enough,  to  swallow 
up  this  Province.  So  did  the  quarrel 
wax  that  both  Uncle  Henry  and  Par- 
son Jordan,  they  was  liable  to  prison  or 
bail.  Pray  fancy  Uncle  Henry  being 
dubbed,  "Rebel,"  and,  "Hereticall !" 
Why,  no  gentleman  in  the  Province 
doesn't  win  more  distinction  for  wis- 
dom, agreeableness  and  honour,  than 
him,  nor  there  isn't  one  loyaler. 

I  pray  you,  Philippa,  of  your  dis- 
creetness to  give  me  such  special  tid- 
ings of  our  poor  country  as  you  do 
deem  fit.  In  every  deed,  do  we  com- 
miserate your  vexed  situation.  Yea, 
oftentimes  be  we  ill  at  ease  touching 
your  bodily  safety.  I  dare  guess  every- 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa  7J> 

one  distrusteth  his  neighbour. 

All  that  do  dwell  in  this  house  salute 
you  and  our  aunt,  with  extreme  ten- 
derness. Yours  to  command, 

ALICE  JOCELYN. 

P.  S.  To  Boston  go  I,  this  day  fort- 
night. 


Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 


Better 


BLACK  POINT, 
Qttober  the  Fifth,  1653. 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


R 


ESPECTED  SISTER :  — 


Praying  of  your  clemency  for 
my  extreme  remissness,  and  hoping 
that  these  lines  do  find  you  in  health, 
I  take  my  pen  in  hand.* 

Well,  to  Boston  went  I,  as  'twas 
forecast,  to  fetch  my  marriage  gear, 
Uncle  Henry  conveying  me  to  Rich- 
man's  Island,  whither  sailed  I  in  the 
Fellowship.  Mistress  Tyng,  —  she  that 
aforetime  harbored  a  homesick  mayde, 
—  did  greet  me  right  joyfully,  her  lit- 
tle babe  in  her  arms.  She  liked  the 
tamboured  lace  I  fetched  the  child. 

Boston  surprised  me.  It  hath  out- 
grown its  swaddling-clothes  and  is 
pushing  a  chair.  Doubtless  ere  long 
'twill  stand  alone.  Half  a  score  of 


j6  Mistress  Alice  yocelyn 

years  hath  wrought  mighty  changes. 
Monstrous  warehouses  be  builded,  and 
fair  dwellings  not  a  few.  Some  streets 
are  paved  with  pebble-stones.  Side- 
walks there  be  where  a  body  may  walk 
cleanly.  Two  meeting  houses  is  built. 
The  sentry  cries  no  more,  "Nine  o'  the 
clock  and  all's  well!  Stiff  breeze,  souy- 
soiieast!"  Now,  is  rung  a  bell  at  nine 
of  night,  and  in  mornings  at  half  after 
four,  which  is  far  decenter  and  politer, 
I  opine. 

Mistress  Tyng,  she  could  ill  spare 
the  time,  I  shrewdly  guessed,  but  she 
would  have  it  that  she  pined  to  go  a- 
shopping ;  so  we  twain  set  about  the 
business.  'Twas  up-hill  work  for  to  do, 
and  after  one  day,  Mistress  Tyng,  she 
was  pretty  well  spent ;  so  leaving  her 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  77 

to  nurse  her  babe,  I  set  out  on  the  mor- 
row in  solitaryness.  I  confess  I  wasn't 
in  high  feather  and  was  picking  my 
footsteps  ruefully,  when  who  should  I 
come  face  to  face  with,  but  good  old 
Christopher  Page!  "Tis  not  imperti- 
nent to  aver  that  scarce  ever  had  I  hap- 
pier encounter. 

"Why,  little  Alice!"  cried  he, 
catching  my  two  hands  in  his  big  rough 
palms.  I  laughed,  joyously.  Speedily 
did  he  acquaint  me  concerning  his  own 
affairs.  Mighty  well  put  up  at  the 
"Ship's  Tavern"  was  he,  and  the  like. 
A  certain  matter,  quoth  he,  had  fur- 
thered his  going  to  Kittery  immediate, 
and  thence  came  he  of  free  will,  to 
Boston  town.  Whereupon,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  relate  how  he  did  chance 


j8  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

upon  a  lady's  pretty  pocket  in  the  wood 
at  Black  Point,  and  on  adventuring 
within,  he  did  espy  a  thimble  of  no 
great  size,  a  little  reel  of  silver,  a  flimsy 
kerchief  laced  about,  and  a  letter.  That 
letter  had  he  sped  to  Kittery  express  to 
deliver  into  the  hands  of  its  owner  — 
Nicholas  Shapleigh. 

"O,  Master  Page!"  cried  I,  in  sore 
distress.  "Wherefore  did  not  you  give 
me  back  mine  own  little  pocket  ?" 

"Your pocket!  Was't  yours, Alice?" 
asked  he  in  amaze. 

"Had  not  the  kerchief  the  Jocelyn 
crest  'broidered  in  the  linen  ?"  quoth  I. 
"O,  Master  Christopher !  How  could 
you  treat  me  so  cruel  ?" 

At  that  the  poor  body  seemed  like 
one  stricken.  He  stared  with  open 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa 


mouth,  and  eyes  a-popping,  the  whiles 
stood  I,  weeping  bitter  hard  in  the 
publick  highway.  When  he  did  collect 
his  wits,  he  made  answer  as  if  to  him- 
self: "Alice's  pocket,  and  her  things, 
they  may  be,  but  the  letter,  —  nay,  nay, 
that  was  Nicholas  Shapleigh,  his  own, 
writ  by  his  honoured  mother  afore  she 
died.  I  did  no  wrong,  I  wot,  to  restore 
a  man's  own.  Hey,  little  Alice  ?" 

The  next  heard  I  was  Uncle  Henry 
a-calling  my  name.  That  was  many 
a  long  day  thereafter.  When  I  would 
fain  learn  how  came  I  there,  none 
made  answer,  but  sayed  'twas  forbid  to 
speak.  Soon  as  'twas  convenient  I  was 
fetched  home.  Mr.  Edgecombe,  he 
also  did  repair  thither  to  convoy  me 
home.  The  days  after  I  met  Christo- 


8o  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

pher  Page  in  Boston  street,  be  as  if  they 
were  not.  Nevertheless  a  brooding 
calm  hath  nested  in  my  heart,  and  I  do 
thank  my  Heavenly  Father  for  His 
sustaining  care.  Would  I  could  clasp 
thy  dear  hand,  sister! 

I'm  forbid  to  write  more.  Soon 
shall  I  be  amended  in  health,  prepared 
to  meet  whatever  hap  falleth  to  my  lot. 
The  motto  of  our  noble  house  is  writ 
upon  my  heart:  "Faire  mon  devoir" 

Heaven  forefend  that  I  prove  faith- 
less to  the  same ! 

Yours  to  command, 
ALICE  JOCELYN. 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  8  1 

Qtinlfl 


BLACK  POINT, 
Christmas   Day, 


82  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

OWEET  SISTER  PHILIPPA: 

This  Christmas  day  at  noontide, 
Nicholas  Shapleigh,  he  and  I  was  wed. 
'Twas  such  a  happy  Christmas,  as  I 
didn't  dream  could  come  to  me,  so  ex- 
treme unworthy  of  God's  goodness. 
Full  many  a  year  were  we  parted,  fool- 
ishly, wrongly.  The  fault  was  mine 
own.  The  suffering  touched  many. 
Pray  chide  me  not  dear  Philippa,  for  a 
heartless  mayde.  Nay,  I've  done  no 
wrong  to  any,  even  in  thought.  Full 
loyal  kept  I  my  promise  nor  suffered 
my  heart  to  stray  from  duty.  But  O, 
sister !  how  it  all  fell  out,  I  know  not. 
Meseems  'twas  thus  Heaven  willed  it. 
Mr.  Edgecombe,  he  came  not  to 
wish  us  joy,  today,  but  did  send  a  man- 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  83 

ful  message  by  good  Christopher  Page, 
wherein  I  was  acquit  of  fault  or  fickle- 
ness. "'Tis  a  match  foreordained  of 
Heaven,  therefore  'twill  be  blest  of 
God,"  quoth  he,  declaring  he  can't 
grudge  one  so  dear  as  me  to  so  good  a 
friend  as  Nicholas.  'Tis  my  deepest 
regret — to  entail  distress  on  one  so 
kind  as  him. 

Good  Mr.  Jordan,  who  was  cast  in- 
to prison  for  the  christening  of  a  babe 
by  the  Prayer  Book,  and  hath  been  but 
newly  set  free,  did  come  hither  joyous- 
ly for  to  marry  us  out  of  that  same  book. 
Of  all  the  wedding  company,  Christo- 
pher, he  was  the  merry est.  He  said 
he'd  ever  desired  a  ready  minde,  but 
now  he  did  thank  Heaven  for  a  slow 
wit,  which  he  swore  was  the  protector 


84  Mistress  Alice  Jocelyn 

of  the  weak,  and  a  balm  for  all  bruises. 

Aunt  Margaret,  she  did  clasp  her 
precious  string  of  pearls  around  my 
neck,  wishing  them  to  bring  me  as 
good  luck  as  had  come  to  her.  Uncle 
Henry  pressed  me  to  his  bosom  and 
bade  me  pluck  up  heart  for  a  brave 
lady.  Nicholas  —  my  Nicholas,  look- 
ed a  prince,  with  his  soldier-mien  and 
the  little  white  lock  that  doth  gleam 
out  of  his  dark  hair  just  over  the  brow. 
That,  should  I  admire  rarely,  did  not  I 
wot  the  wherefore  came  it  white,  alas ! 

Bitter  disappointed  I,  that  Mistress 
Tyng,  her  children  be  down  with  the 
small-pox  to  let  her.  But  her  dear  epis- 
tle hath  warmed  my  heart  anew.  Mis- 
tress Elizabeth  Deering  did  look  un- 
common pretty.  Fain  would  I  have 


Her  Letters  to  Philippa  8$ 

had  Mr.  Edgecombe  here  for  to  see 
her,  drest  so  genteel.  Elizabeth's  poli- 
ticks moreover  be  of  the  same  com- 
plexion with  Mr.  Edgecombe,  his 
own,  did  she  but  speak  her  opinion. 

Only  but  the  necessity  to  go  hence 
from  Uncle  Henry,  his  roof,  doth 
grieve  me.  But  go  shall  I,  and  that 
with  willing  minde,  for  to  dwell  with 
Nicholas  Shapleigh  in  Kittery,  mid- 
way betwixt  Boston  and  Black  Point ; 
—  nearer  to  Mistress  Tyng,  further 
from  them  I  owe  my  duty  to.  Well 
wot  I  that  God  doth  care  for  all  His 
creatures,  and  shall  not  I  trust  Him  to 
fill  mine  own  little  place  at  Black 
Point? 

I  did  send  Mr.  Edgecombe  the  purse 
I  knitted.  'Twas  handsome. 


86  Mistress  Alice  'Jocelyn 

Scarce  durst  I  look  for  your  favour 
on  my  conduct,  sister.  'Tisn't  proper, 
nor  can't  be  extenuate.  That  I'm  aware 
of,  but  in  excuse  plead  I,  my  then 
youngness  and  indiscreetness  in  affairs 
of  love.  Surely,  I  sha'n't  be  in  like 
strait  nevermore,  for  like  reason. 

My  husband,  most  agreeable  to  my 
family,  he  doth  present  his  gracious 
compliments  to  you  in  peculiar  ;  and 
whilst  I  live,  shall  I  be  as  now, 

Yours  in  trust  and  love, 
ALICE  SHAPLEIGH. 

Post  Scriptum.  Uncle  Henry  did 
give  me  away.  I  wore  Aunt  Margaret, 
her^rj-/  wedding  gown.  'Twas  over 
long,  but  it  served.  A.  S. 

P.  S.  S.   Did  not  I  adventure  some 


Her  Letters  to  Pbilippa 


time  gone,  that  Mary  Cromwell,  her 
father  strove  for  the  mastery  ?  Now, 
prithee  behold  him  Lord  Protedtor  of 
the  Commonwealth  —  by  his  own  be- 
hest! A.  S. 


88_ T&e  COLOPHON 

Hereendeth  MISTRESS  ALICE  JOCELYN, 
HER  LETTERS,  as  endeavoured  by  C. 
Emma  Cheney.  Designs  and  frontispiece 
done  special  and  the  whole  made  into  a 
book  and  sold  by  Langworthy  &  Swift  at 

THE   HOUSE   OF    THE    BLUE    SKY    PRESS, 

Kenwood,  CHICAGO.  Completed  in  the 
month  of  March  MCMIIL  Of  this 
edition  there  have  been  printed  Five  Hun- 
dred copies  on  paper  and  Twenty  copies  on 
Japan  vellum,  of  which  this  is  number 


Oldest  Love-Letter  in  the  World. 

A  love  letter  4000  years  old  has  lately  been  discov-  || 
ered  in  Chaldaea.    The  lady  to  whom  it  was  addressed 
lived  in  Sippara,  the  biblical  Sepharvani.     Her  beloved 
was  a  resident  of  Babylon. 

In  contrast  to  the  position  which  women  hold\at  the 
present  day  in  the  Orient,  they  possessed  in  antiquity   I 
a  great  degree  of  freedom.     In  many  respects  the  ori- 
ental  woman   of  antiquity   was   graced   with   as   much   I 
privilege  as  is  the  modern  European  woman.    Partic 
larly  in  Chaldaea  she  could  participate  in  trade,  manipu- 
late her  own  property,  be  a  witness  before  court  and 
be  the  guardian  of  her  own  children.    Of  the  position 
of  women  in  Egypt  we  know  less,  but  doubtless  it  was   ] 
much   higher   than   that   of   the   present   Mohammedan 
women.    In  one  respect,  however,  it  seems  that  custom 
has  been  changed  very  slightly,  for  marriage  was  essen- 
tially  an   affair  of  trade   between  the  parents   of  the 
bridegroom  and  those  of  the  bride.    This  is  ascertained 
from  the  legal  code  of  Hammurabi,  king  of  Babylon, 
B.  C.   2200.     The  future  husband   paid  the  price  of  tl 
bride  and  her  father  provided  her  dower  and  trousseau 
Under  these  circumstances  there  was  no  such  courtship 
as  precedes  marriage     in     accordance  with  occidental 
ideas.    Still  one  may  believe  that  many  a  love  lett« 
on  papyrus  or  clay  passed  secretly  between  the  hands 
of  the  bridal  pair  durin-g  the  interval  of  their  engage- 

The  newly-discovered  letter  is  written  in  clay  and 
probably  dates  from  2200  B.C.  Though  somewhat  for- 
mal, the  reader  can  feel  the  tenderness  that  lies  hidden 
between  its  lines.  It  reads: 

"To  the  lady,  Kasbuya  (little  ewe)  says  Gimil  Mar- 
duk  (the  favorite  of  Morodach)  this:  May  the  Sun  God 
of  Marduk  afford  you  eternal  life.  I  write  wishing  that 
I  may  know  how  your  health  is.  Oh,  send  me  a  mes- 
sage about  it.  I  live  in  Babylon  and  have  not  seen 
you  and  for  this  reason  I  am  very  anxious.  Send  i 
a  message  that  will  tell  me  when  you  will  come  to  me 
so  that  I  may  be  happy.  Come  in  Marchesvan.  May 
you  live  long  for  my  sake?"— [Current  Literature  for 
September. 


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